What happened
Following departure from runway 1L, radar tracking showed the aircraft climbing to an altitude of 1,400 feet MSL (642 feet AGL) while maintaining a ground speed of approximately 110 knots on a heading of 008 degrees. After 37 seconds of flight, the aircraft's trajectory changed significantly; radar data recorded a heading shift to 342 degrees and an increase in ground speed to 130 knots. Witnesses at the scene described observing the plane flying at a low altitude and slow speed before it performed a maneuver resembling a left barrel roll, which ended in a ground impact.
At the time of the accident, the crew was performing maneuvers to simulate engine failures. The landing gear had been fully retracted, and the trim was configured for a scenario involving a right engine failure. While the flap selector was positioned to the "UP" setting, investigators found the flaps were still in motion, at approximately 2 degrees of extension.
Post-accident inspections of the airframe and engines showed no prior mechanical issues. However, both propellers showed signs of damage, specifically chordwise abrasions and leading edge impact marks.
Findings
The investigation highlighted discrepancies between the aircraft's speed and its configuration. According to the Airplane Flight Manual, a minimum airspeed of 140 KCAS is required before retracting flaps below 5 degrees during an engine failure takeoff procedure with gear retracted. The crew's lack of familiarity with this specific aircraft type was also noted, as the pilot had 250 hours in the model and the copilot had no experience in the aircraft.
Ultimately, the crash resulted from the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during the simulated emergency procedure.